Reports » UK

UK stock market morning note (January 04, 2013)

The FTSE 100 is called to open slightly lower this morning after publication of the US Federal Reserve minutes last night indicated a more 'hawkish' tone with some policy makers wanting to halt the Fed's asset buying programme before the end of 2013. Today's economic diary focuses on the release of domestic services PMI data followed at lunchtime in the US with the key non-farm payroll figures and then later in the session ISM non-manufacturing PMI. Commodity prices are lower with both sterling and the euro weaker against the dollar on the back of the Fed's minutes.

Company Announcements

Rolls-Royce Contract Win. It has won a USD52.2m deal with the US Marine Corps and Air Force to support AE 1107C engines for the V-22 aircraft. It is a modifcation of a prior agreement and is for work in 2012-2013.

Balfour Beatty Contract Win. It has secured a GBP150m five-year highway maintenance contract from Wiltshire Council which is due to start in June 2013.

Anglo American Sale of Interest. It has announced the sale of its 70% interest in the Amapa iron ore operation in Brazil for an undisclosed amount to Zamin Ferrous Ltd. The deal is subject to state regulatory approval and is expected to complete in 2013.